Singapore Sun Festival

The Singapore Sun Festival pulls crowds from around the region with its kaleidoscopic programming, ranging from concerts and literary workshops to food tastings, film screenings and meditation classes.

The Overview

Since its launch four years ago, the annual Singapore Sun Festivalhas pulled crowds from around the region with its kaleidoscopic programming, ranging from concerts and literary workshops to food tastings, film screenings and meditation classes. This year's edition is set to be no different, with a series of high-profile events in line with its sister festivals in Italy's Cortona and California's Napa Valley.

Kicking things off on October 29 is a gala concert by Grammy-winning musician David Foster, who takes center stage with Natalie Cole, Charice, Ruben Studdard, Peter Cetera and The Canadian Tenors. The following day, Natalie Cole performs a “duet” with her late father, Nat King Cole, via an onstage screen.

Performances by Italian tenor José Carreras, George Benson and the Creole Choir of Cuba also figure on the line-up, along with Singapore debut of Sharon Stone. The American actress and philanthropist will be giving an onstage interview, and hosting a gala dinner and luxury auction in honor of local charity Action for AIDS Singapore.

Away from the glitz, but no less compelling, is a talk by Li Cuixin, the author of memoir turned movie Mao’s Last Dancer. Hedonists should look out for Michelin-starred Italian chef Carlo Cracco's collaborations with wine critic James Suckling, while those of a more spiritual persuasion can search for inner peace with gurus Saumik Bera, John Ogilvie and Anukool Sunil Deval at the Sun Yoga Conference.

On the streets, check out iLight Marina Bay, set to turn Singapore’s waterfront into an urban-art canvas through lighting installations. Yearning for the Hollywood of yore? Head to Singapore Botanic Gardens for a romantic evening under the stars while watching classics such as North by Northwest and Singin’ In The Rain.